Employees Paying More For Family Health Insurance

According to an annual survey sponsored by Kaiser Family Foundation, employees paid an average of about $4,000 toward their family coverage this year, up 14% from last year. Total insurance premiums paid by the employer and the employee rose just 3% for a family plan — the slowest rate of growth in 10 years, according to the data.

About a quarter (27%) of covered workers have a deductible of at least $1,000 for single coverage and a greater proportion of workers are enrolled in high-deductible health plans with a savings option (HDHP/SO) than in 2009.

Businesses explained the shift by pointing to stark choices between cutting staff and reducing benefits. At small firms, nearly half of workers had deductibles over $1000 this year, compared with 16% four years ago.

In response to the recession, 30% of firms said they reduced benefits while 23% said they raised the amount their employees pay for coverage.

A link to the full report can be found at FarmEquip.org/Shortlinks. ◆